This Ground Pork Stir Fry is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. With the savory sesame soy sauce, tender ground pork, and colorful vegetables, this 30-minute meal beats any take-out. The stir fry is not only quick and simple, but it’s also healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb, making it a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and balanced dinner. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up fresh vegetables and make a flavorful meal for the whole family.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground pork
-
¼ cup diced onion
-
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
-
½ cup diced carrots
-
½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup beef broth
-
Stir Fry Sauce:
-
¼ cup tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch
-
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
-
Directions
-
Cook the Pork: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the diced onion and continue to cook until the pork is browned and the onion is soft, about 2-3 more minutes.
-
Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and diced carrots to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes to steam the vegetables.
-
Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: After 5 minutes, uncover the skillet, and add the garlic and diced bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Make the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, combine tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine.
-
Combine and Simmer: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the cooked pork and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
-
Serve: Serve the ground pork stir fry hot over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Nutrients
-
Calories: 353 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 8g
-
Protein: 23g
-
Fat: 25g
-
Saturated Fat: 9g
-
Cholesterol: 82mg
-
Sodium: 1014mg
-
Potassium: 625mg
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 3g
-
Vitamin A: 3576 IU
-
Vitamin C: 66mg
-
Calcium: 53mg
-
Iron: 2mg
Why Choose Ground Pork Stir Fry?
Ground Pork Stir Fry is a great meal for those looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious dinner. Pork is a flavorful and tender meat, and when combined with vegetables and a savory sauce, it creates a dish that is satisfying without being heavy. The use of ground pork in this recipe makes it easy to cook and absorb all the flavors in the stir-fry sauce, while also ensuring that it cooks quickly and evenly.
The stir-fry method of cooking ensures that the vegetables retain their vibrant color and crunch, offering a satisfying contrast to the tender meat and rich sauce. This makes the dish both visually appealing and texturally interesting. Additionally, this recipe is customizable, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas, or adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
This dish is also an excellent choice for those looking to follow a gluten-free or low-carb diet. By using tamari instead of regular soy sauce, it is gluten-free, and the vegetables provide the necessary fiber and nutrients without adding unnecessary carbohydrates. Whether you’re following a specific dietary plan or simply looking for a healthy, balanced meal, Ground Pork Stir Fry is a great option.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Pork Stir Fry
Ground Pork Stir Fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of ground pork and vegetables offers a balanced meal that includes high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats. The pork provides a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. With about 23 grams of protein per serving, this stir fry will help keep you full and satisfied.
The vegetables in this dish, including broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, offer a variety of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps protect the body from oxidative stress. It’s also rich in fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision, skin, and immune function, while bell peppers add a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants.
The stir-fry sauce, made with tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes, adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish with excessive sugar or salt. Sesame oil provides healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Rice vinegar adds acidity, which helps balance the richness of the sesame oil and pork. The use of cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a nice texture that coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
This dish is also low in carbohydrates, with just 8 grams of carbs per serving, making it an excellent option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. The vegetables provide enough fiber to keep you full and satisfied without spiking your blood sugar. It’s also gluten-free, which makes it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those who follow a gluten-free diet.
The Convenience of One-Pan Cooking
One of the biggest benefits of Ground Pork Stir Fry is that it’s a one-pan meal. The entire dish is cooked in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and a much faster cooking process. The simplicity of using one pan also helps the flavors meld together more effectively, as all the ingredients cook in the same pan and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
The one-pan cooking method makes this dish particularly convenient for busy nights when you need a quick, hassle-free dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal on the table without the need for multiple pots and pans. The method also ensures that the pork stays juicy and tender while the vegetables retain their texture and color, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Customizing Ground Pork Stir Fry
While this recipe is flavorful and balanced on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, you can easily swap them for others. For example, you could add mushrooms for a more earthy flavor or use snap peas for a different type of crunch. If you like your stir fry to have a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
You can also adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess in the sauce by modifying the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter stir fry, increase the brown sugar slightly, or add a little honey for a natural sweetness. On the other hand, if you like a more tart flavor, you can increase the vinegar or even add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
For those looking to add more protein, you can easily add tofu, tempeh, or another plant-based protein option to the stir fry. This makes it a great choice for vegetarians or those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. If you prefer a different type of meat, you could use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of pork, and the stir fry will still taste great.
Serving Ground Pork Stir Fry
Ground Pork Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. For a more traditional approach, serve the stir fry over rice. You can opt for white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce and provides a comforting base for the stir-fry.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, and it pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the stir fry. You could also serve the stir fry with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or bok choy, for added nutrition and texture.
For a lighter meal, consider serving the stir fry in lettuce cups. This is a fun and fresh way to enjoy the dish, and the lettuce adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the tender meat and vegetables. Lettuce wraps are an excellent option for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, as they provide a refreshing alternative to rice or bread.
Meal Prep and Storage
Ground Pork Stir Fry is an excellent dish for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for preparing meals ahead of time. Simply store the stir fry in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. The dish also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for later use.
When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to keep the stir fry from drying out. This makes it an ideal dish to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re preparing meals for a busy week ahead or just need a quick, healthy dinner option, Ground Pork Stir Fry is the perfect solution.
Conclusion
Ground Pork Stir Fry is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying meal. With its tender pork, flavorful sauce, and colorful vegetables, this stir fry offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free option that can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences and tastes.
The one-pan cooking method makes this dish convenient and easy to prepare, while the customizable sauce allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps, Ground Pork Stir Fry is a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation and an excellent option for meal prepping or feeding a family. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.